Bio Bearings

[Shiggins]

Hey guys,

First time posting.

My biomaster 1000FB isn't as smooth as it once was. I have serviced it but still not quite as smooth. Now its not terribly bad but I want it to be back to its best.

I have been quoted $14 per bearing from shimano (TW).

I was wondering if I can upgrade to ceramic bearings and source them from somewhere else? Has anyone else done this?

Cheers,

[The Doctor]

Originally Posted by Shiggins

Hey guys,

First time posting.

My biomaster 1000FB isn't as smooth as it once was. I have serviced it but still not quite as smooth. Now its not terribly bad but I want it to be back to its best.

I have been quoted $14 per bearing from shimano (TW).

I was wondering if I can upgrade to ceramic bearings and source them from somewhere else? Has anyone else done this?

Cheers,

Hi mate,

You sure can. One of my reels has two hybrid ceramic drive gear bearings from Boca. From memory, they are around USD15 per bearing. Have a look at their website for options.

[The Doctor]

Just to add, it helps if you know the measurements of the bearing/s that you are replacing.

[nagz]

Inside diameter(mm) x outside diameter(mm) x thickness (mm)

You'll get them cheaper if you buy direct rather than thorough tw

Nagz

[The Doctor]

Originally Posted by nagz

Inside diameter(mm) x outside diameter(mm) x thickness (mm)

You'll get them cheaper if you buy direct rather than thorough tw

Nagz

Nagz is right - cheaper buying directly from Boca.

[I I Wish]

Freight is always a killer for so few items.

Have a look on their website. They might have your model there already with the bearing sizes.

[try to fish]

hi,

sure enough you said that you service the reel.
question is that did you service the bearings as well?.
only by opening up both shields........flush out old grease and then lightly lubed it up will you be able to toll if the bearing is good or likewise.
give em a go first before getting replacement.

p/s: i will replace only the bearings that seems to have gone rusty on outside without doubt.

[nagz]

Originally Posted by The Doctor

Nagz is right - cheaper buying directly from Boca.

Or jack erskine's pfre in cairns

[Plugbar]

Is there much advantage to fitting ceramic bearings to a spin reel other than corrosion resistance, are they any noiser than full metal bearings as they are in a baitcaster application?

[lukereneeseth]

Plugbar - did you ever get into skating when you were younger? if so, you know the answer.

I'm sure there's all sorts of bearings and materials but like skateboard bearings you can progress freely up the scale. ie. abec 5, abec 7, abec 9 etc.

then theres the corrosion resistance ie. rubber seals, ceramic, etc.

I take it this does extend into the fishing world

. . didn't really answer your questions, but I'm sure ceramic provides a lighter force momentum. Kind of like lifting something with rope over a tree branch, then lifting that same thing with rope through a pullie.

[Plugbar]

Luke I know what you are saying but for the extra dollars for the ceramics on a spin is it worth it. I have fitted ceramics to the spool bearings on baitcasters which improve their performance when casting ,but they are noisey and it is a high speed application in which they are used for casting but this is not neccessary in a spining reel application.

[Shiggins]

Originally Posted by try to fish

hi,

sure enough you said that you service the reel.
question is that did you service the bearings as well?.
only by opening up both shields........flush out old grease and then lightly lubed it up will you be able to toll if the bearing is good or likewise.
give em a go first before getting replacement.

p/s: i will replace only the bearings that seems to have gone rusty on outside without doubt.

Some great advise guys. Thanks

What's the best way to
Clean the bearings out? I know how to get the casing off. I have some shimano grease that is for bearings as well. Do I use the grease or just some oil?

[try to fish]

First of all,you've gotta pry the retaining clips off first before you can remove the shields.needle is the best tools here.
If it's the press in style like some bearings,ie no retaining clips,I would just use a sharp tiny hooks and put a hole on the shields it self and pretty much the whole piece will come off with a bit of prying.
Then,quickest way to clean the bearings off is with carby cleaner.spray both side and blow dry with compress air.make sure to get rid of excess grease inside the bearings.
When dry,spin it around to make sure it's not shot.if all is good till this stage,just lube it up with bearings oil (make sure the oil is as light as possible).my preference is xtreme reel +.
After that,just install the bearings back without the shields.future maintainence would be much easyier.i wouldn't worry about contamination as the main culprit will only be sand.thus,never leave your reel laying on sandy area.
If you ever submerge your reel into saltwater in future,just dismantle the reel and repeat the process again.
Good luck!!.

Ps...the procedure for line roller bearings are a bit different.same process but try to keep the shields as you will need it.i would just pack it with grease after it's been cleaned and reinstall the shields when I'm done.that way,the roller bearing service life would be much longer without any maintainance for a while.mine been going alright for the last 7 years on my certate.

[DarkHorse]

I always thought bearings were oiled and gears were greased

[Normoh]

Originally Posted by DarkHorse

I always thought bearings were oiled and gears were greased

Depends on the application. If you want the bearing to spin free and fast such as when casting a baitcaster, then oil is the go as it will provide less "stiction" as grease is so viscous, however spin reel bearings are more about torque and aren't required to spin as freely. Over greasing will give the reels mechanics a heavy feel though. A lot of bearing housings used in industrial facilities actually have a grease nipple and the corresponding bearing will have a small hole to allow the grease to penetrate into the race